Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites play from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible game, has grown in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha Hi-Lo begins just like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A sequence of betting follows in which players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. Another round of wagering happens. Once all the players have either called or folded, a further card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of betting follows and then the river card is revealed. The players will need to make the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some entrants get flustered. Unlike Texas Holdem, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must use precisely 3 cards from the board, and exactly two hole cards. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the best possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the very same concept in just about every poker game.
A lower hand is more complicated, but certainly free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the lowest value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand available, the higher hand takes the entire pot.
While it seems complex at first, following a few rounds you will be able to get the basic subtleties of play simply enough. Since you have individuals betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an overwhelming range of betting options and owing to the fact that you have several players shooting for the high hand, as well as a few trying for the low hand. If you like a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to play Omaha 8 or better.
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